Devon Delivers Ambassadors highlight business success

Devon businesses gathered at a special event at Powderham Castle this week to show their support for the Devon Delivers Ambassadors’ programme.

The initiative is run by Devon County Council to promote Devon as a location where businesses thrive, and to encourage others to relocate to the county.

Over 40 local businesses have signed up as Ambassadors and support the scheme by highlighting the benefits of living and working in Devon.

The event was an opportunity for local businesses to network and to hear some of the achievements of the Ambassadors. The Countess of Devon provided a welcome address at the event at her family home, and was joined by leading members of Devon’s business community.

Councillor Stuart Barker

Councillor Stuart Barker, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “This event was an opportunity to bring our Ambassadors and other key Devon businesses together to learn from each other and celebrate some of their successes. Together we are working hard to ensure we have the right conditions for growth and a thriving business community in Devon, enabling local businesses to expand and encouraging more businesses to relocate to Devon. It all contributes to a strong and growing economy.”

Moo Free Chocolates has more than doubled its production since establishing its factories in Holsworthy, having relocated from Reading.

Mike Jessop, Co-founder and Sales and Marketing Director of Moo Free Chocolates, said: “I want people to realise what Devon has to offer. There’s a lot of investment in infrastructure in this area and that’s something people need to consider as well as the support you get if you move down here. It’s a lifestyle thing as well; the whole culture and environment – it’s the whole package.”

Dartington Crystal, based in Torrington, was founded in Devon in 1967 and is Britain’s last remaining large-scale manufacturer of handmade crystal glass. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, it is an internationally recognised brand and its exports are continuing to rise.

Richard Halliday, Commercial Director of Dartington Crystal, said: “We’re very proud to be part of the Devon Delivers Ambassadors’ programme. We’re proud of our Devon roots and it’s a big part of our brand story. In recent years we’ve been re-growing our business to new levels – we’re still based in Devon, still using local workforce and still using local suppliers, where we can.”

Salcombe Distilling Company only launched its gin in July last year but it has already scooped major industry awards.

Co-founder and Director Howard Davies said: “We’ve made a really successful start and being part of the Devon Delivers Ambassadors’ programme has been really good for us. It’s given us an opportunity to get out there, meet other businesses, establish good partnerships and basically help elevate our brand and gin. We love Devon, it’s why we’re here, so it’s nice to be part of a movement to help support and promote the county.”

Among Devon’s Ambassadors are businesses and stakeholders including the University of Exeter, the Met Office, Dartmoor National Park, Axminster Tools, Simpleware, and Forthglade.